CLEVELAND, Ohio (JMU Athletics) – The annual MAC Preseason Coaches’ Poll released Wednesday afternoon as James Madison field hockey was slotted to finish fourth, matching the Dukes 2025 regular season placement. JMU garnered 60 points in the voting, finishing ahead of Kent State (44), Ohio (42), Central Michigan (31), Ball State (28), Bellarmine (15) and Longwood (14).

Last season, the Dukes finished 12-8, 6-3 MAC and got to the MAC Tournament Semifinals for the second consecutive year. In 2026, JMU enters year one of the Alyssa Parker Rosenblum era while returning six starters from a year ago, including All-MAC Second Team selection Ava Drexler-Amey and All-MAC Freshman Team recipient Puck Jansen.

Miami topped the voting with 81 points and collected nine of 10 first place votes as the Redhawks look to defend the conference crown. Massachusetts came in second, finishing with 73 points and earning the remaining first place vote. Both the Redhawks and the Minutewomen are ranked inside the top 15 of the NFHCA Preseason Poll.

James Madison kicks off the 2026 season with a pair of matchups in the Conference Cup, bracing for Temple on Friday at 3 p.m. and Drexel on Sunday at 11 a.m.

2026 MAC Field Hockey Preseason Coaches’ Poll

(First Place Votes)

1. Miami – 81 points (9)
2. Massachusetts – 73 points (1)
3. Appalachian State – 62 points
4. James Madison – 60 points
5. Kent State – 44 points
6. Ohio – 42 points
7. Central Michigan – 31 points
8. Ball State – 28 points
9. Bellarmine – 15 points
10. Longwood – 14 points

— JMU Athletics —